Kaskazi

3 to 7 nights / 4 to 6 days of riding | 2 to 6 hours riding per day | Nearest airport:Kilimanjaro

Weight limit: 13st 5lbs (85 kg) (187 pounds)

Usual maximum: 10

These mobile horse safaris take you off the beaten track and promise to be an unforgettable experience. Your experienced and knowledgeable guides will take you deep into the bush to witness the wonders that Africa has to offer: the wildlife, the scenery, and the interaction with the local tribes who inhabit these areas.

Kilimanjaro Elephant Safari
On this seven night safari you are surrounded by four giants: Mt Longido, Mt Namanga, Mt Meru and most famous of all, Mt Kilimanjaro. The safari takes you northwards from Mt Meru over Tanzanian farmland and the Massai steppe, with many possibilities for cultural interactions with the local people. Two days are spent following in the footsteps of the largest mammal on earth, the elephant and there are opportunities for some long gallops. Six nights are spent in mobile camps. The Kilimanjaro Elephant Safaris are for experienced riders due to the opportunities for faster riding and as you will be riding in areas of big game.

The Arusha National Park Safari (three nights) is suitable for less experienced riders and is also a good option as part of a longer itinerary in Tanzania.

The horses are all purpose trained safari horses, with a mix of local breeds and thoroughbreds. They range between 14.2hh and 16hh. All the horses are given lots of love, care and attention and have nice characters and strong personalities. With a range of temperaments, there is a horse suitable for different abilities and your guides take great care in finding the perfect fit for each rider.

Most of the horses are ridden in snaffle bridles and there is a choice of saddles, either general purpose English leather or Wintec saddles, and South African trail saddles – although some horses may go better in one or the other. Please let us know if you prefer an English saddle, although this may limit the selection of horses available for you. Each horse also carries two pommel bags for your water bottle and camera.

You will be riding for four to six hours a day, with stops for refreshments and lunch. For these safaris you must be a fit and experienced rider in the outdoors at all paces with some jumping. Since this is an area with dangerous game all riders should be confident and secure in the saddle and able to stay on your horse should you need to react quickly. The pace can be fast and challenging at times.

The Arusha National Park Safari is suitable for less experienced riders as the pace can be adjusted to suit the group.

There will be occasions when you need to lead your horse on foot, so general fitness is important.

Riding style is English. Most of the horses are polo trained and used to being ridden with the reins in one hand.

There is a rider weight limit of 85kg.

Hard hats are mandatory.

The first night is spent at the Polo Safari Club, a spacious permanent tented camp. A communal mess tent offers a quiet area to relax and unwind, and enjoy the spectacular views of Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. There is WiFi in the clubhouse and a swimming pool, gym and spa treatments to be enjoyed (spa treatments at extra cost, payable locally). All beverages and delicious home cooked meals are prepared for you at the spectacular clubhouse. All tents are en-suite.

The tents on the mobile camp are spacious tents with mosquito netted doors and windows. Each tent is provided with cot beds, white clean cotton linen, towels and a solar light. There is one bush short drop toilet and bucket shower per tent/two people.

There is no single supplement for solo travellers, but if you are travelling with a friend (even on separate bookings) and wish to have a single tent then a supplement is payable.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT There is no single supplement for solo travellers. If you are travelling with a friend (even on separate bookings) and wish to have a single tent then a supplement is payable of £39.03 per night.

Grab the opportunity of a lifetime experience and join the Kilimanjaro Elephant Safari at a discounted rate.

The discount of 25% per person off the ride price (not including the government fees) for safaris departing in July or August 2019 . This is a massive discount of c.£991.29 per person. Rides need a minimum of six guests to confirm.

July and August are the cooler months of the year but a great time for a riding safari. The days are sunny but the temperature is nice and pleasant for riding. The rains in the earlier months leave the ground lush and green, encouraging larger herds of plains game.

Location

Starting from Kaskazi Horse Safaris base on the outskirts of Arusha Town, the area lies at an altitude of 1,400m above sea level, which offers an ideal climate for horses and riding. The stables have a magnificent view of Mount Meru, with Mount Kilimanjaro itself emerging to the north on a clear day.

Weather & Climate

Tanzania lies just south of the equator and on the whole enjoys a tropical climate. There are two rainy seasons, the short and the long rains. The long rains, called Masika, fall from mid-March to May, and the shorter rains, called Mvuli, fall from November to mid-January. The cooler climate is during the dry season and lasts from May to October.

Being close to the equator, and with an altitude of approximately 1,400 m (4,600 ft), the temperature is relatively consistent.

Guest Review

Incredibly fun riding through very beautiful and varied terrain. We traversed about 700 km and camped at 5 different locations. We kept a good pace, but also spent plenty of time to study the animals and herds we met. We came very close to the animals, but we always felt safe. We galloped with zebras and herds of giraffes – it was absolutely incredible.

Kaskazi Riding Specialist

Chris says

Apart from game viewing, the landscape and the scenery mustn't be forgotten. These rides are in some of the most spectacular areas in Africa. As you ride the interaction with the local herdsmen will keep you totally enchanted.

My Top Tip

It is very important to wear long sleeved shirts and to take sunscreen along as the African sun is extremely strong and can cause sunstroke. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.